May has been an active month for severe weather across Colorado. From the Eastern Plains to the Front Range, residents have witnessed both tornadoes and landspouts—two similar-looking but fundamentally different phenomena. While both can be dangerous and share the classic funnel shape, their formation, strength, and predictability differ significantly.
What’s the Difference?
Supercell Tornadoes
Most tornadoes in the U.S., including many of the recent ones near Bennett and in northeastern Colorado, form from supercell thunderstorms. These storms are the powerhouses of severe weather and can produce large hail, damaging winds, and—if conditions are right—tornadoes.
Supercell tornadoes form when wind shear causes a column of air to rotate horizontally. This rotating air gets tilted vertically by the storm’s strong updraft, creating a mesocyclone—a spinning core within the storm. If this rotation tightens and stretches toward the ground, a tornado can form. These tornadoes are often stronger and longer-lasting, sometimes reaching EF2 or higher on the Enhanced Fujita Scale.
Landspouts
In contrast, landspouts are a weaker, more spontaneous cousin of the tornado. They form without a rotating updraft and typically occur while the storm is still developing. Instead of forming from the top down, like supercell tornadoes, landspouts form from the ground up, tapping into existing spin along a boundary near the surface.
Landspouts are often narrow and rope-like in appearance. Though typically weaker (usually EF0 to EF1), they can still cause damage and should be taken seriously. One recent example in Elbert County was an unusually strong EF2-rated landspout—proof that even these weaker tornado types can occasionally pack a punch.
Why Does This Matter for Colorado?
Colorado’s unique geography and climate create the perfect setup for both types of tornadoes. The state often sees landspouts in the early storm season, especially along terrain features like the Palmer Divide, where surface boundaries enhance low-level spin. As the summer progresses and storms become more organized, supercell tornadoes become more common, particularly on the Eastern Plains.
Recent storms on May 18 and May 23, 2025, brought both phenomena into focus. On May 18, a mix of supercell tornadoes and a strong landspout struck areas southeast of Denver. Just days later, on May 23, three tornadoes—including an EF2—touched down in Logan and Washington counties, all spawned by a single long-lived supercell.
Stay Weather Aware
Whether it’s a supercell tornado or a landspout, both types of storms require attention. Tornado warnings are more likely to be issued for supercells due to better radar detection. Landspouts, however, can form quickly and with little warning.
That’s why it’s critical for Coloradans to stay informed, especially during the spring and early summer months. Use multiple sources of weather alerts, keep an eye on the sky, and take shelter immediately if a funnel cloud is spotted or a warning is issued.
Colorado weather is full of surprises—knowing the difference between a tornado and a landspout could help you stay safe the next time the skies turn dark.